consequence

Definitions

con- (with, along) + sequ (follow) + -ence (state) = 'that which follows along with' an action — its result. The con- branch all comes from here: consequent (resulting), consequently (therefore), consequential (weighty with consequences). The second sense, 'importance,' grows from the idea that things with big consequences matter: a matter of no consequence.

Common Collocations

• 1.serious consequences严重后果
• 2.as a consequence作为结果
• 3.face the consequences承担后果
• 4.of no consequence无关紧要

Example Sentences

• 1.

  He didn't think about the consequences of his decision.

• 2.

  As a consequence of the strike, all flights were cancelled.

• 3.

  It is a matter of little consequence whether we leave now or later.

Easily Confused

consequence vs result vs outcome — result is the most neutral, general word (the result of a test). outcome stresses the final state after a process (the election outcome). consequence often implies something that follows logically or unavoidably, frequently negative (suffer the consequences).